What is wave propagation?

• A. Noise in the channel
• B. Way in which radio waves move from the source antenna to the receiving end
• C. The modulation technique used
• D. The power level of the transmitter

Answer: (B)

Wave propagation is the way radio waves travel from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna, including the path through space and how the environment affects the signal. It covers the route the waves take, whether they travel directly (line-of-sight), reflect off surfaces, bend around obstacles, or refract in the atmosphere, and how weather or terrain can alter the signal’s strength and quality. This concept is about the movement of the waves themselves, not about the noise that can interfere, the method used to encode information (modulation), or how strong the transmitter is. Understanding propagation helps predict range, coverage, and potential dead spots, which is crucial for safe UAS operation.